The use of steroids by athletes is not only contrary to the principles of fair competition, but also poses a serious threat to health. The price of a mountain of muscles from the laboratory can become unreasonably high.
Classes in speed-strength and cyclic sports, bodybuilding, fitness require a good physical shape – developed, strong muscles, high performance. To obtain these competitive advantages, some athletes take anabolic-androgenic steroids (AS) – synthetic drugs that boost the production of the hormone testosterone in the body, which is responsible for strength and endurance.
Testosterone (T) has two main effects on the body:
- anabolic – stimulating protein synthesis and promoting muscle building;
- androgenic – developing a number of male secondary sexual characteristics.
For every molecule of testosterone produced, there is a molecule of another substance – epitestosterone (E), which does not increase strength and performance.
- Changing the natural ratio of T / E = 1: 1 by introducing AS is a deliberate attempt to artificially increase muscle mass and strength, reduce recovery time after intense training, and save muscle tissue from destruction (catabolism) under extreme loads.
- A person using steroids will be able to train more successfully, with bоgreater volume, intensity and frequency, progress faster than someone who does not use AS. In professional sports, the use of steroids is prohibited and equated to doping.
IOC statistics show that out of 100 doping tests taken from athletes, 000% are positive. At the same time, 1,6% of them are tests for anabolic steroids. See also: amino acids for exercise
Consequences of the use of steroids
The use of AS without a doctor’s prescription, in order to improve athletic performance, usually involves taking doses that are significantly higher than normal therapeutic values.
Such abuse of steroids leads to manifestations of both short-term and long-term side effects:
- the development of hypertension;
- elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein (“bad” cholesterol);
- lowering high-density lipoprotein (“good” cholesterol);
- the appearance of acne (acne);
- heart failure;
- fluid retention in the body, swelling;
- liver dysfunctions;
- thinning hair and baldness;
- decreased libido;
- mood swings;
- bouts of unmotivated aggression (“steroid rage”).
In men, in addition, there are:
- reduction in the size of the testicles;
- violations of spermatogenesis;
- prostate enlargement;
- symptoms of gynecomastia – breast enlargement.
Other risks of steroid use
In addition to the side effects that occur in both sexes, in women, a consequence of the abuse of steroids are:
- menstrual cycle disorders;
- infertility;
- low voice;
- male pattern baldness;
- reduction in the size of the mammary glands;
- enlargement of the clitoris;
- the appearance of facial hair (hirsutism).
Short-term side effects in men disappear after stopping steroids. Manifestations of masculinity – coarsening of the voice, growth of hair on the face and body, baldness – observed in women, are irreversible.
According to medical indications, anabolics are prescribed for a number of pathologies and diseases – for example, delayed sexual development in boys, low testosterone levels in adult men, muscle tissue atrophy, osteoporosis, oncological processes. In these cases, the drugs are used in accordance with the dosing regimen. See also: Myths about protein
Side effects from steroid use
Some believe that steroids are not addictive because their use is not accompanied by a feeling of euphoria, as when taking drugs. However (although not in all cases), dependence on AS manifests itself in the fact that a person continues to take them, even if the side effects become serious and obvious: after stopping the use of the drug, there may be a strong feeling that it needs to be taken again. In these cases, treatment of the withdrawal syndrome is required. It is usually done by gradually reducing the dose to minimize withdrawal symptoms.
The most dangerous consequence of the withdrawal syndrome can be depression. In some cases, during withdrawal, the patient may have suicidal thoughts and attempts. On the positive side, anabolic steroid addiction treatment is manageable and safe in the short term.
It is important to understand that it is possible to have high athletic achievements, to be in excellent physical shape without steroids. This requires well-designed training plans with alternating cardio and weight lifting, as well as the correct use of sports nutrition in addition to the main diet.